Tesla Recalls 2 Million Vehicles After NHTSA Investigation Reveals Inadequate Safety Measures in Autosteer Feature

Tesla is recalling more than 2 million of its vehicles, nearly all its cars on the road in the U.S., after an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that the automated system’s built-in safety measures are at times inadequate and “can lead to foreseeable misuse of the system,” according to a statement from the NHTSA.

The recall includes the 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y equipped with Autosteer, a feature Tesla describes as “traffic-aware cruise control.”

The NHTSA’s investigation found that the Autosteer feature, which maintains a set speed or a set following distance, detects lane markings and the presence of other vehicles, was not sufficient to prevent driver misuse.

Tesla is now issuing a recall to fix the software failure related to its semi-automatic Autopilot feature. The company is urging drivers to remain vigilant and “always be prepared to take control of the vehicle” while using Autosteer.

The NHTSA has also urged drivers to use the Autosteer feature with caution and to be aware of the limitations of the system. The agency is also recommending that drivers take additional steps to ensure their safety, such as keeping their hands on the wheel and being prepared to take control of the vehicle at any time.